A group of 33 former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff members, who were laid off in a mass termination last year, have filed a lawsuit against the apex bank at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja.
In an originating summons filed on July 4, 2024, and obtained by our correspondent on Monday, the former employees allege that the CBN violated their constitutional right to a fair hearing before and after their employment was terminated.
They claim that the CBN breached internal policies, Nigerian labor laws, and their contractual rights. The lawsuit seeks to determine the legality of their dismissal and seeks appropriate remedies for the alleged violations.
The group of former CBN staff members, includes Stephen Gana, Kabiru Idris, Benedict Agbo, Peter Adeyemi, John Yisa, Eleanor Ihua, and others
Represented by Okwudili Abanum, the claimants argue that their termination, carried out through letters dated April 5, 2024, was illegal and unconstitutional, violating their rights to fair hearing and due process.
They contend that the CBN breached internal policies and Nigerian labor laws, and seek their reinstatement with full back pay and benefits.
Also, in their lawsuit, the dismissed CBN staff highlighted a violation of the bank’s own Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM), specifically Article 16.4.1.
This article mandates consultation with the Joint Consultative Council and adherence to fair procedures before any employment action that negatively impacts staff.
The claimants allege that the CBN disregarded this requirement, abruptly terminating their employment with only a three-day notice to vacate their positions.
Furthermore, the group is seeking a substantial sum of N35 billion in damages from the CBN. This includes N30 billion for the psychological distress, hardship, and reputational harm caused by the dismissal, and an additional N500 million to cover the legal costs associated with the lawsuit.
In a recent court hearing on November 20, 2024, Justice O. A. Osaghae of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria urged both parties in the lawsuit filed by 33 dismissed Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) staff to explore an amicable resolution.
Justice Osaghae encouraged the parties to seek a settlement outside of court, emphasizing the early stage of the proceedings.
“This is a new matter, mentioned for the first time. I have reviewed the processes and believe that the parties should attempt an amicable resolution of this dispute. Consequently, parties are encouraged, pursuant to Section 20 of the NICA 2006, to seek amicable settlement,” Justice Osaghae said.
The CBN, represented by Inam Wilson (SAN), filed a preliminary objection to the lawsuit on November 4, 2024. Following submissions from the defendant’s counsel, the court adjourned the case to January 29, 2025, for a hearing on these objections.
